Reasons for weight gain that have nothing to do with "overeating" or "being lazy"
Waking up every morning and seeing your weighing scale tip to the right even after you eat healthily, put in the work, and lead a healthy life is dejecting, to say the least.
We live in a society that thinks that someone's weight is a conversation starter.
"Oh, how come your face is looking chubby today?", "Did you stop eating, you look tired", and a hundred other flippant comments like these are things we need to brace ourselves for when you're already fighting an internal battle. So we're here to tell you that you're not alone. Strong women across the globe struggle to match the standards of beauty that are embedded in us before we could even spell. Your body is yours, only the standards you set matter.
That being said, sudden changes in your body or clothes suddenly not fitting can be frustrating. And it's not always because of eating certain types of foods or skipping your workout. Weight fluctuations go beyond that, here's a list of things that could possibly be affecting your weight.
A side-effect of the medication you're taking
Are you currently on a new medication? Certain medications, particularly antidepressants, could cause you to gain weight as a side effect. Check with your doctor if the medication comes with side effects and if you have alternatives available in case it does.
You are sleep deprived
Not getting enough sleep can most definitely trigger your weight gain.
As per a study, women who slept less than 6 hours regularly had a higher body mass index, with high levels of Vistafin- a protein secreted by fat cells, compared to those who got sufficient sleep.
Try getting in quality sleep by reducing screen time before bed, and creating a more relaxed atmosphere.
You've been stressing out
High levels of cortisol- the stress hormone can causes an increase in your hunger levels and your desire for highly palatable, calorie-dense foods, which can cause weight gain
No, please don't be stressed about stressing out. There's always a solution. Try tried and tested methods like yoga, spending time in nature and meditation to bring your stress levels down.
Hormonal imbalance
If you're gaining weight without any obvious explanations, chances are that you could have a hormone imbalance. Your hormones are responsible for your bodily functions and can your body weight as well.
Getting a check-up done to understand your hormone levels can help you stabilize them with targeted efforts.
PCOS
Now that we've spoken about a possible hormonal imbalance, checking for PCOS would be a good idea if you're facing an unexpected weight gain.
PCOS makes it more difficult for the body to use the hormone insulin, which normally helps convert sugars and starches from foods into energy. High insulin levels, in turn, increase the production of male hormones called androgens which lead to symptoms such as body hair growth, acne, irregular periods, and weight gain.
Age
As you get older, your body tens to lose muscle mass and store fat so it may seem harder to lose weight with the same methods as a few years back. This does not mean that you will put on weight the older you become, it's about finding what works for you and altering your daily habits accordingly.
Genetics
Your family history and genetics may also alter your metabolism. But this does not mean that there isn't a way around this. Visit a dietician to understand what type of foods and workout plans could best help you work around it for a healthier self.
